Two Nominations for Petition?

[Janner]

The ones that only have 4/5 regular meetings in this area tend to be themed lodges e.g. a school, business, etc. Other lodges meet on average 9 times a year plus social events.

We picked up a contact who didn't know any members but we made the point of getting to know him. It is not generally a problem.

[schapple]

Thanks Janner, all very encouraging.

I ordered a copy of the UGLE Constitutions which has been an interesting read.

[Richard George]

So, Sean .. how did it go?

[schapple]

Hi Richard, home visit is tomorrow morning.

[schapple]

Had a very engaging meeting this morning with the Secretary and his wife which helped answer many questions that I, and my wife, had. Generally all very positive so far with a broad timeline given as a formal interview in September followed by proposition/ballot and Initiation in January. However, not wanting to get ahead of myself!, I'm looking forward to the next step which is an opportunity to visit the lodge and meet other members.

[Joe]

Sean
Glad to hear it went well
Very much look forward to following your progress:)
Joe

[wayne cowley]

Glad to hear it went well

Wayne

[Lloyd Wiebe]

Just one small step in a long journey.

[schapple]

I have been invited to visit my local lodge to meet other members ahead of my formal interview. Should I be aware of any specific etiquette other than normal social standards?

[deepfreeze101]

Hi Sean I would suggest be yourself and not be afraid to ask questions, they will be more than happy to answer them.

Richard

[schapple]

I've read about the dress code and that names are not normally used, but brother/appointment. As a visitor what would be deemed appropriate dress - lounge suit, blazer/tie and is the term brother reserved for after initiation or considered a term that anyone can use (much as you may address a police officer 'officer/sir' ...maybe not the best example!)

[Lloyd Wiebe]

As you are not yet a member, Mr. so and so would be just fine.

[Richard George]

I've read about the dress code and that names are not normally used, but brother/appointment. As a visitor what would be deemed appropriate dress - lounge suit, blazer/tie and is the term brother reserved for after initiation or considered a term that anyone can use (much as you may address a police officer 'officer/sir' ...maybe not the best example!)

'Brother' is reserved for use once you are initiated - as are the officer titles, and then only in open lodge .. only 'Worshipful Master' is likely to be used outside the lodge room itself.
On a ladies night however, the term used is 'Mr President' .. the same as would be for the case of a golf dinner for example when referring to the Captain. In the circumstances you describe, I'd use " Mr ..." - but they will probably tell you to call them 'Peter/Richard/etc'.

Depending on what you've been invited to will dictate the recommended dress and without more info I can't really give any guidance.

[schapple]

Richard, the evening is in the diary as "Master elect Installing Master New DC and ADC Secretary, Treasurer". My visit to the lodge to meet other members has been highlighted in a recent lodge news sheet.

[Richard George]

That's an Installation meeting! Now in the US, that meeting is open to family and friends - not so in England, so I would definitely check that you are invited(!) .. although it's possible that you've been invited to the Festive Board (although I admit to some surprise with it being an Installation and the possibility that Provincial representatives will be present!).

That said, if you have been invited, a suit would be appropriate knowing how everyone else will be dressed.

[schapple]

Thanks Richard, i have most certainly been invited (!) the secretary is picking me up. I suspect (am assuming) that some activities of the evening I will be excluded from, for all the right reasons. Not being fully aware of the 'nature of the evening ceremonies' I think the advice of lounge suit is appropriate. I may well only be meeting other members in the margins, but I think lounge suit it is.

[schapple]

Quick update on my journey...couple of socials with my Proposer and Seconder (and partners), couple of lodge visits to meet others, committee interview last week, ballot very soon!

[wayne cowley]

Excellent - all sounding very positive

Wayne

[Richard George]

Congratulations Sean; given how EC masonry works and assuming the committee are happy, I'd be very surprised indeed if you're not elected. Enjoy the journey; it'll be a road you travel until you join the Grand Lodge Above.

[schapple]

After being proposed at a Lodge Meeting and subsequent ballot I have been accepted :-) Initiation date set for the new year.